The parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs is dropping the gloves in a trademark fight with rapper-turned-marijuana entrepreneur Snoop Dogg over his “Leafs by Snoop” line of pot products.
At issue is the gold-leaf logo with white lettering used by the Snoop Dogg-branded smokeable and edible weed items, which Snoop — real name Calvin Broadus — is seeking to trademark for use in cigarette lighters.
But Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment apparently sees Snoop’s product marker as being too similar to the Maple Leaf’s classic blue-and-white logo, and are taking their dispute to U.S. trademark referees.
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READ MORE: Ontario marijuana producer Tweed strikes business deal with Snoop Dogg
Documents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office show MLSE listed as a potential opponent to the application, and earlier this month it was granted a 90-day extension to consider submitting a formal notice of opposition.
The delay request was made by an NHL lawyer on behalf of MLSE, and the trademark documents do not offer a reason for the challenge.
MLSE declined comment when contacted by Global News, while an NHL spokesperson could not be reached. Snoop Dogg’s trademark lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The rapper and prodigious pot smoker launched his cannabis line last November in Colorado — one of several investments he’s made in the blossoming marijuana industry. Among the “Leafs by Snoop” products are marijuana flowers, chocolate bars and “Dogg Treats” gummies.
https://twitter.com/LeafsBySnoop/status/725682669317554176
Earlier this year Snoop Dogg inked a deal with Ontario marijuana producer Tweed giving the company exclusive rights to use certain content and brands owned by the rapper’s company, LBC Holdings.
With files from Andrew Russell
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